Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[slimcity9]

I'll have to check the manual again, but I think the head is supposed to stay parallel to the ground. There is a "sweet spot", actually drawn on the head guard, that's supposed to provide the best cutting. This is a range of maybe 60+ degrees that's rotated somewhat to the right of straight ahead.

Now that I've reviewed the manual I can revisit this. I've noted that the manual is very good elsewhere, but here it provides little guidance about final adjustments. At the beginning of the short section titled Preparing the Trimmer/Mower for Trimming it says:

The characteristics of cutting height and quality is [sic] controlled by the position of the Trimmer Cords, location of the Locking Bolt, Wheel Spacer arrangement and height of Tractor PTO lift Arms. It takes time and practice to learn what the best combinations of settings for different conditions are.

So trial and error is recommended, it seems.

Going by memory I somewhat mischaracterized the cutter's "sweet spot." The manual actually calls it the "Optimum Impact Zone," and it's where you're supposed to aim to hit obstacles such as fence posts. It's also more like 40 degrees than 60.

 

[J_J]

Why not spray something like Roundup and then trim what is left .

Seems like the operation would go much faster, and less work for the trimmer.

 

[slimcity9]

Why not spray something like Roundup and then trim what is left .

Seems like the operation would go much faster, and less work for the trimmer.

Doing both seems like a fair bit of time/money/effort. I think mowing followed by a pass with this trimmer should be a pretty good system. I might carry along a little cordless electric trimmer in the tractor so I can hop out and touch up the corners. Personally, I like Roundup around buildings, but don't care for the "dead-earth" look under pasture fences.

 

[ds10]

Some of us keep to organic principles, and that means no glyphosate. Mechanical control (i.e. knocking down with a trimmer system) seems a reasonable choice.

 

[TomSeller]

I try to spot use the herbicide on invasive plants only. Besides, no sense killing grass that cattle can eat. They always eat a few inches under to the other side of the fence.

 

[rautry]

BUYER BEWARE........If you decide you don't want to keep it, the fine print about shipping will cost you big time. Eventhough the freight was "free" initially (cost me an additional $67.43 to have dropped at my work address), to return the item will cost you $419.98 ($209.99 standard shipping charge to you and same back to them). OUCH........that adds up to $487.41 thrown out the window. Anyone near Benson NC want to buy a 3 pt. DR Fencline trimmer with only 1 hours use on it?

 

[aczlan]

BUYER BEWARE........If you decide you don't want to keep it, the fine print about shipping will cost you big time. Eventhough the freight was "free" initially (cost me an additional $67.43 to have dropped at my work address), to return the item will cost you $419.98 ($209.99 standard shipping charge to you and same back to them). OUCH........that adds up to $487.41 thrown out the window. Anyone near Benson NC want to buy a 3 pt. DR Fencline trimmer with only 1 hours use on it?

Curious what you dont like about it as we are looking at getting one.

Thanks

Aaron Z

 

[slimcity9]

I posted a link to the return "fine print" a few pages back, but I have to admit I didn't read it closely enough to notice the double shipping deduction:

"If you are not fully satisfied, simply send it back for an exchange or a full refund of the product's original price, less the standard shipping charges to and from your delivery address." [Emphasis mine]

It does make the return policy less useful. At least I like mine well enough that I plan to keep it.

 

[TomSeller]

. At least I like mine well enough that I plan to keep it.

Good to hear.

 

[ds10]

A person at DR advised the item is available through a store they have in Nashua, NH (and presumably other stores of theirs). I assumed buying it through their store would also permit return through the store without fee, but I'll certainly check on that before I decide to buy. Thanks for the heads-up on "free" shipping.